Nude beaches on the California coast, from top to bottom(less)

These are 32 beaches for you to enjoy in the buff, from Black's Beach in La Jolla to Trinidad in Humboldt County.

These are 32 beaches for you to enjoy in the buff, from Black's Beach in La Jolla to Trinidad in Humboldt County.

Photo: California Beaches

Photo: California Beaches

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These are 32 beaches for you to enjoy in the buff, from Black's Beach in La Jolla to Trinidad in Humboldt County.

These are 32 beaches for you to enjoy in the buff, from Black's Beach in La Jolla to Trinidad in Humboldt County.

Photo: California Beaches

Nude beaches on the California coast, from top to bottom(less)

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You never know when the urge to head to the beach and rip off your clothes will strike. But if it does, it's good to have some idea of where to go.

Thankfully, in California you have options. There are dozens of clothing-optional beaches along our coast, many of which have been frequented by nudists for decades.

Above, we've collected 32 beaches for you to enjoy in the buff, beginning at the classic Black's Beach in La Jolla and ending in Trinidad (the town in Humboldt County, not the island in the Caribbean).

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This is an ideal summer road trip, and one which will require very little packing. But, remember, if you follow these up Highway 1, there is that little roadblock before Big Sur you'll have to get around.

The legality of nude sunbathing varies throughout the state. While a 1972 California court case ruled that nude sunbathing is not indecent exposure, some counties have strict anti-nudity laws. As you will notice, there are no Los Angeles County beaches listed here.

If you visit only one area, Santa Cruz County is highly recommended for its sheer volume of nude beaches. And from there you can hit choice spots in Monterey County and northern Big Sur. The Bay Area is well-represented, but our weather is not always the most conducive to outdoor nudity.

Many thanks to CaliforniaBeaches.com which provided names of many of these spots, especially in Southern California, and some choice photos as well.